A Goodbye from Rachel Held Evans

Rachel Held Evans was an hero for many of us. She died last Saturday morning at the age of 37. She’d been an advocate for those on the margins, those who doubt, and those who had no voice. She mentored many of us through her writings and speaking. We grieve her loss deeply.

On Ash Wednesday, just three months ago, she wrote what would be her final blog post. This week at City Church we are contemplating suffering, so this post from Rachel seems hauntingly appropriate. Remember, reflect, grieve, and give thanks.

It strikes me today that the liturgy of Ash Wednesday teaches something that nearly everyone can agree on. Whether you are part of a church or not, whether you believe today or your doubt, whether you are a Christian or an atheist or an agnostic or a so-called “none” (whose faith experiences far transcend the limits of that label) you know this truth deep in your bones: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return.”

Death is a part of life.

My prayer for you this season is that you make time to celebrate that reality, and to grieve that reality, and that you will know you are not alone.